topic Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS in After you file

Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS

alaniboris — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:03:05 GMT

I wrote two different letters with supporting evidence to the IRS regarding a misapplied payment in 2021 after my return has been filed and processed by them. It has been almost two months and I have not heard from them. Should I continue to write to them every 30 days because calling the number on the notice isn't going through. Or should I amend my 2021 return -- The 2021 3rd payment was posted as a 2020 payment which made no sense because:

1. The deadline has passed already

2. My 2020 return has been filed

Thank you

Re: Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS

Mike9241 — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:20:27 GMT

if you sent with a got proof of delivery. the IRS has it. it will likely take 6 months or more from the date the IRS got it to review it and make adjustments. another just goes to the back of the line.

Re: Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS

NCperson — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:31:48 GMT

@alaniboris - I agree with @Mike9241 .. writing more letters or calling is fruitless. Patience is the way to go. Let it go for six months (really, six months). THe IRS says they will get back to standard processing time by the end of the year.

Re: Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS

alaniboris — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:17:26 GMT

Thank you both for the advice and I shall apply my patience in this case.

PS Amend my 2020 return isn't such a smart idea either then I gather?

Re: Misapplied Estimated Tax Payments by the IRS

NCperson — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:23:33 GMT

@alaniboris - wait on doing anything for 2020 until 2021 has settled; I've seen other posts where the IRS has taken credits from prior years and posted them against money owed in more recent years, so that everything settles out correctly.